WhatsApp Privacy Policy: No personal data being shared, Facebook tells

 WhatsApp is updating its privacy policy and Terms of Service this year that's mandatory (so far) for all users who wish to continue using the messaging app. the event came via an in-app notification earlier this month and is additionally available to access on WhatsApp support page. As per the new changes, the corporate notes that some personal data that belongs to users would be shared with Facebook's other applications, also as partners to supply better ad experience (on Instagram or Facebook). The new update applicable for all WhatsApp platforms that include WhatsApp for Android, WhatsApp for iPhone, WhatsApp web and desktop app.

Similarly, several critics and data privacy advocates deemed the newest WhatsApp policy as problematic as users now have a unilateral choice. It essentially means users who don't suits the changes regarding its data collection policy haven't any other choice aside from either accepting the new rules or leaving the app altogether. Naturally, many have taken the alternate route and are joining rival platforms like Signal and Telegram. Users also fear that the new Terms of Service allow Facebook to access private chat, which the social media giant has categorically denied several times.

What user data will WhatsApp collect and share: WhatsApp says that they collect user information to be ready to provide services and customise the experience for the user. Among the knowledge that gets shared with WhatsApp include: mobile number, profile name, phone model, screen resolution, IP address, language, coarse location (approximate location and not the precise address). Facebook-owned WhatsApp insists that they are doing not retain your messages and says that sent or received messages aren't stored on their servers. "Once your messages are delivered, they're deleted from our servers," the corporate highlights clearly. However, there are scenarios where your messages may stay WhatsApp servers temporarily—that is that if a message remains undelivered for a particular period of your time up to a maximum of 30 days within the encrypted form, after which it's deleted also as media forwards that are temporarily stored in encrypted form to enhance the efficiency of additional forwards.

How will the new privacy rules impact users: For the end-user, the foremost likely effect are going to be more targeted ads across Facebook-owned platforms like Messenger, Instagram, and Facebook. the corporate are going to be ready to show you more relevant ads supported the metadata collected through the messaging platform.

When will the new policy come to play: WhatsApp has delayed the new policy launch to May 15 from February 8. the corporate had said that it's postponing the changes following misinformation and confusion over its upcoming rules. Notably, WhatsApp has also reached bent users directly via a full-page newspaper advertisement and WhatsApp Status to clarify concerns over the Terms of Service.